What Do You Want?
Tragically, we humans are, to put it bluntly, awful at wanting the things that will create the most meaning and satisfaction in our lives.
Gifting with a Purpose: Practical Strategies to Positively Impact Your Next Generation
Category: Financial Planning
Because saving money early and often can be difficult, consider how you might help those closest to you to do more of it. Here are some scenarios and ideas.
The Two Most Important Questions to Answer When Choosing a Financial Advisor
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
In working with over a hundred prospective clients in the past five and a half years, I’ve found that these are the two most important questions you need to ask yourself...
Can You Ever Have Enough?
Category: Financial Planning » Retirement Planning
There is always more stuff to do or buy. There are always more “what if’s” for which to account. It’s a rare creature who has found contentment in what they already have, a person who no longer searches for the next thing or feels empty because of what they do not have.
What Does It Mean to Be an Investor? – Part Two
As you peek into the future – hopefully one with greater discretionary time and money – do you envision yourself increasing or decreasing your investment in the well-being of the people close to you and the world in general? Do you see yourself sticking close to the mess of the world or investing in ways that escape it?
Time to Revisit Your Cash Reserve Fund
Category: Financial Planning » Cashflow
Nearly four out of ten Americans lack enough money to cover an unexpected $400 expense? The statistics on this have remained consistent over the years. One of the first steps in building a strong financial foundation is creating an emergency fund. The idea is to prepare for the unexpected expenses of life.
Financial Risks That Are Not in the News
Stock market risk is the primary focus of the financial news. The reason is simple. The scarier the headline, the more eyes are attracted to it.
Every Investor’s Real Question: “Am I Going to Be Okay?”
Category: Financial Planning » Behavioral Finance
In my time working with clients, there is one question asked more than any other, “Am I going to be okay?”
Planning for Future Healthcare Expenses
Category: Financial Planning
"What is worth insuring?" The answer almost always boils down to how much you'll have to pay to insure the thing you don't want to lose -- whether it's your mustache, your fantasy football player, your home or your health.
American Rescue Plan: Aid Begins Hitting Accounts
Category: Financial Planning
Most notably, the bill included another round of direct payments to Americans, many of whom have already received the $1,400 (individually), plus per spouse and dependent/s.
Speeding Tickets & Investing
Recently, I received a gift from the Iowa State Patrol in the form of a speeding ticket. In reflecting on this experience, it occurred to me that I took an unnecessary risk to attain something I didn’t need and ended up sacrificing money I didn’t have to lose.
How to Plan Your Digital Legacy
Category: Financial Planning
Currently, a single solution to preserve or pass on ownership of digital assets doesn’t exist. This is where it becomes important to think about all of your digital assets and develop a plan for each. Here’s how to go about it.
What do you need to know about Property & Casualty Insurance?
Category: Financial Planning
Insurance is one of the few things you buy which you never hope to benefit from, because that typically means something bad has happened. I encourage you to take a few minutes to confirm items that could make a massive impact on your financial situation if an accident were to happen.
The Ins and Outs of Paying Student Loan Debt
Category: Financial Planning
Whether you are working on paying down student debt yourself, or have children looking to do so, below are some questions to consider.
Med School Grads, Do These Three Things First
Category: Financial Planning
As a recent medical school graduate, resident, or doctor early in your career, there are a few key things to consider for your financial well-being. The earlier you develop a strategy for these things, the greater the benefit.
Who Should Care About the CARES Act? You!
Category: Financial Planning
Early in the morning on Wednesday, March 25th, negotiators from both Congress and the Executive branch struck a deal spending nearly $2.2 Trillion to aid individuals and businesses.�
Kids These Days Aren’t Even Taught How to Balance a Checkbook
Category: Financial Planning
The truth is, there’s a huge need for all of us to help the people around us make wise decisions with regard to money.
Getting Rid of Debt Can Help You Save
Category: Financial Planning
At the end of 2021, outstanding consumer debt in the United States, including mortgages, student loans, auto loans, credit cards, etc., totaled $15.6 trillion, which equates to about $50,000 per American. Clearly, we are no strangers to debt. Ultimately, getting rid of consumeristic debt will help you save and accomplish your goals.
Leave the Gift of Giving as part of your Estate Plan
Category: Financial Planning
One of the best strategies for charitable giving is to open and fund a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
Starting Off on the Right Foot
Category: Financial Planning
Starting off life after school on the right foot financially is important. A good financial advisor can make all the difference.
No Better Time to Deploy Your Donor Advised Fund
Category: Financial Planning
One of the best vehicles to help our clients meet their charitable giving goals is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Having a DAF in place for times like these is important to help meet the needs of your community.